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A mum who founded a suicide awareness charity after tragically losing her 16-year-old daughter has received an award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Helen Cousin's daughter Maisie Lauren Cousin-Stirk took her own life in June 2017.

While grieving, Helen decided she wanted to set up a charity to help prevent something like this happening to anyone close to her, in the future.

She launched Help Me, I'm Fine - named after a doodle found in Maisie’s bedroom which one way up read "I’m fine" but when turned around said "help me".

Since it started, the organisation has raised £35,000 and provides training courses in primary schools in North Lincolnshire and surrounding areas to help teachers identify children who are unhappy, worried or suicidal.

A doodle found in Maisie Cousin-Stirk's bedroom which one way up reads "help me" but when turned around says "I'm fine" (Image: Helen Cousin)

Now, Helen has been honoured with a Points of Light award, given by the Prime Minister to recognise outstanding volunteers who make a real difference in their communities.

In a personal letter to Helen, from Misterton, Mr Johnson wrote: "I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of your strength after losing your daughter, Maisie, and how through Help Me, I’m Fine, you are supporting the emotional health of children in primary schools."

Helen said: "It is an honour to be chosen for the Points of Light award.

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"Thanks to the support of my family, friends and our amazing community, I have been able to turn our tragedy into something that will hopefully encourage others to speak out about their mental health.

"In just over two years, Help Me, I’m Fine has raised £35,000 to support schools with THRIVE training, giving our children the tools they need to self-regulate and get through life’s difficult transitions."

Helen Cousin has received the Points of Light award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She is pictured with her children's book The Knot (Image: JJMoffs Independent Book Publisher Ltd)

Helen has also published a book called The Knot, aimed at helping primary school children to cope with their feelings. It explains in light-hearted rhyme how "worry knots" can be dispelled and how even teachers get and cope with them.

Speaking about Help Me, I'm Fine last year, Helen said she initially set up the charity to keep herself busy while grieving.

Where to find help

If you or someone you know needs help or is distressed contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or by email.

For help on mental health issues or support for families and friends visit the charity Mind.